The “Star of Hope” legacy dates to 1913 when the Star of Hope Child Refuge opened its doors. Star of Hope was established with the gift of a large farmhouse and a few acres of land, purchased and donated by Mr. Gabriel Sangster Kitzmiller.  This charitable gift was in response to a call for assistance from Dr. F. L. Baker and Mr. F. C. Rollman for the purpose of providing a home for orphaned and homeless children living in the Poor Houses of Mineral and surrounding counties. The “orphanage” operated as the Star of Hope Child Refuge and served hundreds of children through the years until in 1949, the Board of Trustees conveyed it to the Methodist Episcopal Church and changed its name….

The Star of Hope Legacy Society honors those friends who make provisions in their estate plans to remember Burlington United Methodist Family Services with a bequest or other gift to endow the perpetuation of our mission of service to infants, children, youth and families.  Membership benefits include invitations to special events on the main campus, recognition in publications including The Family Connection and personal assistance with charitable and estate planning questions. As a member of The Star of Hope Legacy Society, your name will also appear on a special plaque at Burlington’s Administration building in honor of your thoughtful generosity and also receive a recognition certificate for your home or office.

To become an honored member of The Star of Hope Legacy Society, just notify us at the telephone number below or click on the star at right.

Please join us in providing hope to children and families by being a member of The Star of Hope Legacy Society.  A Legacy Society commitment motivates and encourages others to also consider a legacy gift in providing hope to needy children and families through the programs and services offered by Burlington United Methodist Family Services.

For more information on The Star of Hope Legacy Society, please contact our Development Office at (800) 969-0079.